{"id":"be4711ce-1097-4460-a097-d87231d86c6d","uri":"https://catalogue.ceh.ac.uk/id/be4711ce-1097-4460-a097-d87231d86c6d","type":"infrastructureRecord","title":"Atmospheric Analysis Facility: Trace Gases and Aerosols","description":"The purpose of the Atmospheric Analysis Facility for TGAs is to analyse air samples to measure concentrations and fluxes of pollutants, including: (1) inorganic reactive trace gases (NH3, HNO3, SO2, HCl, HONO); (2) aerosol chemical components (NH4+, NO3-, SO2=, Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++); and (3) volatile organic compounds.  These analyses support UK air monitoring networks (AGANET, NAMN), compliance monitoring and research projects.","metadataDate":"2025-04-09T09:24:27","resourceIdentifiers":[{"code":"https://catalogue-staging.ceh.ac.uk/id/2052a2f2-9e13-4d14-b27a-71d04f48b6dc"},{"code":"https://catalogue.ceh.ac.uk/id/be4711ce-1097-4460-a097-d87231d86c6d"}],"capabilities":"The Atmospheric Analysis Facility for Trace Gases and Aerosols provides laboratories that follow UKAS and ISO accredited protocols (Lancaster) and/or research and experimental methods, aligned with accredited laboratory standards where these exist (Edinburgh).  They are equipped for: (1) Preparation and coating of passive diffusion (ALPHA) and active denuder/filter samplers (DELTA, COTAG); (2) Sample extraction and analysis of NH3 by colorimetry (SEAL AA3) and flow injection analysis; (3) Analysis of other components by ion chromatography (Metrohm); (4) Analysis of volatile organic compounds with a gas chromatograph (GC-MS) coupled to a thermal desorption unit; (5) Bench space for innovation projects and student projects in sampling and analysis methods; (6) Testing of prototype sensors and samplers; (7) Calibration of flow meters and method development for other trace reactive gas analysis (e.g. HNO2, peroxyactely nitrate, HNO3 etc.).","lifecycle":"The Atmospheric Analysis Facility provides an ongoing service for UKCEH research.  Instruments have a working life of usually 10 -15 years depending on use and specification.  Equipment is maintained and replaced on a constant cycle, either at end-of-life or as newer technologies become available.","uniqueness":"The Atmospheric Analysis Facility provides essential analytical capabilities for UKCEH research, and is the only UK facility with an accredited method for the ammonium analysis for the atmospheric samplers.  The laboratories are unique in the ambient ammonia and PM composition sampling analysis done routinely and use UKCEH registered design samplers as well as commercial ones. ALPHA, DELTA and COTAG sampling devices have been developed by UKCEH.  Whilst the analytical instrumentation for the analyses of the extracts from these devices are not unique, our full workflow in sampler construction, their operation, sample preparation, extraction, analysis and quality assurance is unique.  UKCEH sampling devices have been provided to project collaborators and sold to users.","partners":"No external partners help to operate the Atmospheric Analysis Facility for TGAs.","locationText":"Atmospheric Analysis Facilities for TGAs are based at UKCEH stations in Edinburgh and Lancaster.","access":"Atmospheric Analysis Facility for Trace Gases and Aerosols are available to other research organisations, usually through project collaborations with UKCEH, or commercially","fundingSources":"UKRI-NERC National Capability funding: UK-SCaPE programme (LTSS), plus UKRI-NERC Discovery Science Grants.","scienceArea":"Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects","infrastructureCategory":{"value":"labsAnalysis","description":"Analysis labs","infrastructureClass":"Analytical facilities","uri":"http://vocabs.ceh.ac.uk/ri/labsAnalysis"},"infrastructureChallenge":[{"value":"Pollution","uri":"http://vocab.ceh.ac.uk/ri#Pollution"}],"owners":[{"displayName":"Christine Braban","organisationName":"UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology","organisationIdentifier":"https://ror.org/00pggkr55","role":"owner","fullName":"Christine Braban"}],"users":["Atmospheric Analysis Facilities are used by UKCEH staff and students, plus research collaborators."]}